India approaches Antigua to detain, prevent Mehul Choksi from leaving country | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

India approaches Antigua to detain, prevent Mehul Choksi from leaving country

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByJayant Jacob
Jul 31, 2018 12:11 AM IST

Mehul Choksi has claimed he has decided to reside in Antigua and Barbuda, which is his country of “citizenship” and “abide by laws of the country”.

The Indian envoy to Antigua will meet authorities of the Carribean nation on Monday to press for the release of fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choski, accused of the multi-crore Punjab National Bank fraud in India, sources said.

Mehul Choksi is wanted in the case of Prevention of Money Laundering Act and his passport was revoked in February 2018.(HT File Photo)
Mehul Choksi is wanted in the case of Prevention of Money Laundering Act and his passport was revoked in February 2018.(HT File Photo)

“As soon as MEA received information of the likely presence of Mehul Choksi in Antigua, our high commission in Georgetown had alerted the A&B government, in writing and verbally, to confirm his presence in their territory and detain him and prevent his movement by land, air or sea,” a person familiar with the development said.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

“We continue to liaise with relevant GOI agencies and the Government of Antigua & Barbuda to follow up on this matter,” the person added.

Choksi is wanted in the case of Prevention of Money Laundering Act and his passport was revoked in February 2018.

India has already written to the Antigua government on this.

Choksi has claimed he has decided to reside in Antigua and Barbuda which is his country of “citizenship” and “abide by laws of the country” even as the Prime Minister of the Caribbean country told the media that his administration will fully cooperate with the Indian government.

His lawyer in the Caribbean country issued a statement claiming that the fugitive diamond merchant is still there. The statement also claims that Choksi has lawfully applied to be registered as a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda under the Citizenship by Investment Program.

He got the citizenship in November 2017 but took the oath of allegiance on January 15 this year, only 15 days before the CBI registered its first FIR in the PNB scam.

He claimed to have applied for the Antiguan citizenship to expand business in the Caribbean and to obtain visa-free travel access to 130 or so countries, which an Antiguan passport provides for.

Choksi and his nephew Nirav Modi have been accused by the CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED) of defrauding the state-owned Punjab National Bank (PNB) to the tune of Rs 14,000 crore in the issuance of Letters of Undertaking and Foreign Letters of Credit.

Both Choksi and Modi left India in the first week of January and have not returned despite summons from the CBI and the ED.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Mukhtar Ansari Death News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On